With Level Music, Warner Music Group gets ahead of CD Baby and Distrokid by offering a ‘free’ digital distribution platform. But, how much will it really cost artists? Warner Music Group has quietly launched its alternative to establi…
Category archives: Indie Artists
Unsigned Artists Account for Just 2.7% of Global Recording Sales
Revenue for unsigned artists is growing at a great rate. Yet, why does it only make up such a small amount of global recording sales? According to a new study published by Midia, global recorded music revenue grew by $1.7 billion last year.  …
I’m an Award-Winning Cellist and Composer. Want to See My Royalties?
So, how much does Zoe Keating make from streaming? Every now and then, Digital Music News covers what real artists make from streaming platforms. One artist last year, for example, made just €403.27, or $470.47, on Spotify from 122,364 total play…
Is This Who You Want Representing You?
Something interesting happened to me recently. Ari Herstand was working on an investigative report, Music PR Company: 25% of Our Clients Are Entitled Little Brats, discussing how Manimal PR was under-delivering to its clients while charging exorbitant …
China Is Banning All Hip Hop — Unless the Lyrics Support the Communist Party
As part of a cultural crackdown on dangerous Western influences, China has taken a strong stance against hip hop and rappers in the country. Thanks to the popularity of Chinese rap singing competition The Rap of China, hip hop has blown up in the count…
Notice: Artists Have Less Than 60 Days to Opt Into Facebook’s Direct License
Indie artist or self-published songwriter? Here’s how to get paid for your songs on Facebook, Instagram, and Oculus. In an attempt to avoid copyright issues on its platform, Facebook has entered into major deals with music labels and publishers….
Major Facebook Algorithm Update Will Dramatically Reduce Band Posts
Artists and bands will now have to find inventive ways to reach out to their fans on Facebook. Last week, Facebook signed a significant music licensing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. The move would ensure that users on Facebook and Instag…
What Is Splice and Why Did It Just Raise $35 Million?
Splice just earned $35 million in funding. But, what is it and why does it matter? Four years after its launch, Splice has announced that it has paid independent artists $5 million. The company also said that it has earned $35 million in a Series B fu…
Facebook Guarantees Your Music Video Won’t Get Ripped Down
After fighting endless DMCA takedown requests, Facebook finally grants indie musicians and content creators pre-cleared songs. Late last year, indie musician Ari Herstand touched upon a problem plaguing Facebook. Musicians on the world’s largest social…
Kickstarter Wants to Destroy Patreon — Starting With ‘Drip’
To fight Patreon, Kickstarter has re-launched Drip, a subscription-based patronage platform for artists. Several years ago, rising YouTube musician Jack Conte became frustrated. While millions watched his videos on the platform, he only received check…